Save to Pinterest A classic American comfort food featuring savory ground beef in a sweet and tangy tomato sauce, served on soft hamburger buns. Perfect for a nostalgic, budget-friendly family dinner.
My family requests these sloppy joes almost every week. They love how flavorful the filling is and how soft the buns become when toasted just right. It's always a hit for casual dinners.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: 1 lb (450 g), 80/20 preferred
- Yellow onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
- Green bell pepper: 1 medium, finely chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Tomato sauce: 1 cup (240 ml)
- Tomato paste: 2 tbsp
- Ketchup: 2 tbsp
- Worcestershire sauce: 1 tbsp
- Yellow mustard: 1 tbsp
- Brown sugar: 1 tbsp
- Chili powder: 1 tsp
- Smoked paprika: ½ tsp
- Salt: ½ tsp
- Ground black pepper: ¼ tsp
- Hamburger buns: 4, split and lightly toasted
- Butter: for toasting buns (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the beef:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook, breaking up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Sauté vegetables:
- Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet. Sauté until vegetables are softened, about 4 minutes.
- Add sauce ingredients:
- Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, brown sugar, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
- Simmer:
- Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens, about 8–10 minutes.
- Toast buns:
- While the mixture simmers, toast the hamburger buns on a skillet or in the oven, buttered if desired.
- Assemble and serve:
- Spoon the sloppy joe mixture generously onto the bottom half of each bun. Top with the other half and serve immediately.
Save to Pinterest Making these sloppy joes reminds me of my childhood. It's always a lively mealtime, especially when everyone builds their own sandwich at the counter.
Required Tools
Large skillet, wooden spoon or spatula, knife and cutting board, measuring cups and spoons
Allergen Information
Check all labels if serving to individuals with allergies, particularly for buns and Worcestershire sauce
Nutritional Information
Each serving contains about 430 calories, 18 g total fat, 40 g carbohydrates, and 25 g protein
Save to Pinterest These sloppy joes are sure to become a regular dinner favorite. Serve with chips or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Recipe FAQs
- → What cut of beef is best for this dish?
An 80/20 ground beef blend is preferred to ensure a good balance of flavor and fat for juiciness.
- → Can the sauce be made spicier?
Yes, increasing chili powder or adding cayenne pepper can enhance the heat level to taste.
- → How do I keep the buns from becoming soggy?
Lightly toasting the hamburger buns, optionally with butter, creates a barrier that keeps them from soaking up the sauce too quickly.
- → Are there alternatives to ground beef?
You can substitute ground turkey or plant-based ground alternatives for different dietary preferences without sacrificing flavor.
- → Can leftovers be stored for later use?
Yes, store leftover filling in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 months for convenient reheating.